According to the company, Merge Ortho is designed to replace the cost and complexities of using film. Its advanced digital tools reportedly streamline workflow with image acquisition and manipulation, advanced measurement options, implant selection, automated template placement and manipulation, surgical planning tools, image archiving, and Web distribution. Several data mining tools, including those for tracking and analyzing implant usage, pain thresholds, recovery rates, and outcome statistics are also included in the package.

"Switching to digital planning and templating was really the next logical step after we acquired the Merge PACS several years ago," said Kenneth Kleist, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Minneapolis/St. Paul-based Health
Partners and Regions Hospital. "Orthopedic surgeons use diagnostic images extensively and have unique requirements for imaging. Merge Ortho is a very intuitive tool for orthopedic specialists and really boosts our workflow in terms of surgical planning. We're looking forward to measuring just how much Merge Ortho will impact our practice operationally and financially."